Exhibit CCSA14 - The Leveson Inquiry

For Distribution to CPs
Urgent messaqe: maintaininq a proper relationship with our media
Dear colleagues
As you will be aware, the police service nationally is under intense scrutiny in
a number of areas, including how we manage relationships with the media.
In Suffolk, we are fortunate enough to have a strong local media, which is
broadly supportive of our efforts to keep the county safe but also vigorous in
holding us to account.
We enjoy a positive relationship with our local media, based on being open
and honest and only withholding information when we must.
However, a number of incidents over the past few days, coupled with the
current national background, have made me concerned that there are
individuals within our organisation who are confused about this relationship -
and are passing information to the media in a way which is both
unprofessional and damaging.
Our press office has been responding to a number of media queries, where
journalists have been passed information which should not be in the public
domain.
This includes details from confidential Police Authority papers as well as data,
including names, of staff whose posts are subject of our on-going work to
make efficiencies.
This is an unacceptable situation.
As you know, we are in the midst of having to radically re-organise our service
in the face of the toughest financial challenge.
Our work to make the savings needed over the next four years involves
looking at posts right across the Constabulary - and we aim to ensure that
decisions affecting these posts are communicated in a sensitive manner to
the right people at the right time, using the most appropriate means.
This important work is being undermined by individuals who, it appears, would
rather have their colleagues read or hear about developments affecting them
through the local media.
At a time when, nationally, our service is under scrutiny for its relationships
with the media - and just days after the HMIC has finished an integrity review
in our force - it is frustrating in the extreme that this situation has arisen.
To be clear: there are no circumstances under which unauthorised information
should be disclosed. It is a disciplinary offence.
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For Distribution to CPs
We need a positive relationship with the media - but it must remain
transparent and professional at all times.
I have spoken to representatives of the Police Federation, Unison and the
Superintendents’ Association. All share my concern and support my views on
this issue - and have added their comments at the end of my message.
AI officers and staff should ensure that they inform the press office of any
interview requests they receive from the local media - and seek guidance
from press office staff on media policy matters.
ACPO has recently issued some new guidelines for managing media
relationships, which the Deputy Chief Constable is currently examining with
our communications team. These guidelines will be published in due course to
assist you.
Finally, please remember that everyone in our organisation has a duty to
report corrupt, dishonest of unethical behaviour by officers or staff to
Professional Standards - and that this can be done, in confidence, via the online
confidential reporting section on the Intranet.
Simon Ash
Chief Constable
Matt Gould, Chair of Suffolk Police Federation, said: "Following the Chief
Constable’s comments today, the Suffolk Police Federation wish to record
that they endorse his views. We should all avoid inappropriate disclosure to
the press.
"Individuals are at risk of alienating their colleagues and becoming subject
of discipline investigation should they disclose unauthorised information.
Members are reminded they can and should raise issues of concern with
Federation Officers."
Alan Caton, from the Superintendents’ Association, said: "We are at a time
of great change in the police service both locally and nationally and it is
quite right that we consult with our staff about these changes.
"However, much of these discussions are around options for efficiency
savings and are only proposals for chief officers and the Police Authority to
consider.
"We do not believe it helps with these discussions if these proposals reach
the public domain before final decisions on both the future structure and
savings are made, and we fully support the Chief Constable in his stance".
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Mavis Hurst, from UNISON, said:
For Distribution to CPs
"Unison agree with the sentiments of the chief constable. We believe this is
not the way forward in these difficult times. It is not fair that colleagues hear
about potential job losses via the press."
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